Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of death in the U.S. Americans have been more concerned about their blood cholesterol levels and dietary cholesterol intakes rather than their overall cardiovascular health risk factors leading to CVD such as hypertension, vascular dysfunction, inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables and physical activity. Statistics show that approximately 91% of individuals with CVD have vascular dysfunction which is attributed to endothelial and autonomic dysfunction leading to increased arterial stiffness.

The investigators long-term goal is to provide feasible and effective dietary ways for pre- and stage 1- hypertensive individuals to normalize their blood pressure (BP), improve vascular function and thereby reducing their cardiovascular risk and enhancing the quality of life. Blueberries are a rich source of phenolic compounds and these compounds may play an important role in promoting cardiovascular health. Considering the strong possibility that phytochemicals present in blueberry work additively or synergistically, it would be ideal to investigate the cardioprotective effects of blueberry as a whole. The investigators overall objective to bring forth evidence that blueberry consumption will reduce BP and cardiovascular risk factors including endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and autonomic dysfunction in pre- and stage 1-hypertensive postmenopausal women. The investigators hypothesize that blueberry supplementation will improve vascular function and will lower blood pressure in postmenopausal women with pre-hypertension. The findings of this study will provide a foundation for disseminating feasible, safe approaches for preventing and combating hypertension at its early stage which does not require drug therapy.

8 weeks of freeze-dried blueberry powder taken in two doses of 22g each per day.

Dietary Supplement: Placebo

8 weeks of freeze-dried taken in two doses of 22g each per day.

Experimental: Blueberry

8 weeks of freeze-dried blueberry powder taken in two doses of 22g each per day.

Dietary Supplement: Freeze-dried Blueberry Powder

8 weeks of freeze-dried taken in two doses of 22g each per day.

Other Name: U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

Detailed Description:

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of 22 grams of freeze-dried blueberry intake on a daily basis for eight weeks in:

The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of 22 grams of freeze-dried blueberry intake on a daily basis for eight weeks on arterial function and blood pressure in postmenopausal women with pre- and stage 1-hypertension. The specific aims of the study are:

To investigate the extent to which daily consumption of 22 g blueberry drink-mix reduces blood pressure in individuals with pre- and stage 1-hypertension.

To determine whether daily consumption of 22 g blueberry drink-mix will improve the autonomic control of blood pressure and heart rate in individuals with pre- and stage 1-hypertension.

To measure serum markers of oxidative stress to determine whether increased antioxidant defense is in part responsible for blueberry's vascular protective effects.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

45 Years to 65 Years (Adult)

Genders Eligible for Study:

Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

40 women (1 to 10 years after natural menopause or bilateral oophorectomy) 45-65 years of age.

Seated blood pressure ≥ 130/85 mm Hg but ≤ 160/90 mm Hg.

Exclusion Criteria:

Blood pressure >160/100 mmHg

Taking insulin

Cardiovascular disease

Active cancer

Asthma

Glaucoma

Thyroid disease

Kidney disease

Liver disease

Pancreatic disease

Enrollment in a weight loss program

Heavy smokers (>20 cigarettes per day)

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01686282

Locations

United States, Florida

The Department of Nutrition, Food, and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University